Modelled annual mean NO2 air pollution, based on measurements made during 2016.

This map was used with permission from The Greater London Authority and Transport for London, who fund, develop and maintain the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. For more information please visit data.london.gov.uk

This map shows the annual mean pollution for the chosen species during 2016 in detail across London. Zoom into the map for
more detail and to see the annual mean concentration band. The maps also show which areas pass or fail the annual mean objective if there is one.
You can also see projections of future maps,
a map of average short term pollution,
and create a poster of these annual maps.

More Information

Why create a pollution map?

Measurements from monitoring stations are only able to
report air quality at that particular location. The annual map uses a detailed model to show a prediction of what air quality
as like across the whole of Greater London.

Why do you show only four pollutants?

The four pollutants chosen are ones which are known to have an effect on health within London and are
able to be predicted with this model. Levels of carbon monoxide (CO) are now well below EU Limit Values and have not been mapped, However this pollutant remains important in the formation of O3 across the northern-hemisphere and indoors, exposure to CO from faulty heating and cooking appliances can be dangerous. Concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) are too unpredictable to create a map using this method. Each pollutant has different sources and behaviour, so try selecting each pollutant in turn to get a full picture of air quality at your chosen location.

Why annual averages?

Annual means give a good indication of the average level of a pollutant and long-term exposure. Increasingly evidence is pointing to long-term exposure to air pollution as being more important than exposure to short-term peaks. Where annual mean EU Limit Values exist for a pollutant, the map scale is shown such that areas above the Limit Value are shown as yellow through orange to red. Greatest concentrations of traffic pollutants are often predicted in the middle of road junctions or in the centre of busy roads where the public do not normally have access. These are not generally areas of relevant exposure for the assessment of EU Limit Values and UK air quality objectives.

Why 2016?

We have chosen this year because it is the latest year for which an accurate model is available.